System and method for a behavior-targeted survey

ABSTRACT

An aspect of the present invention relates to tracking a computer user&#39;s behavior and providing related visual media segments with a graphical user interface for presenting a survey. In embodiments, the survey is based on the tracked user behavior. In embodiments, the visual media segments are slide-in visual media segments and the user has preemptive control over certain aspects of the visual media segments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety: Application No. 60/706,917 filed on Aug. 10, 2005 and entitled“PRESENTATION OF MEDIA SEGMENTS”.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This invention relates to methods and systems for recording user webbrowser click-stream events and to interacting with computer users basedon those events.

2. Description of the Related Art

Web browser click-stream data are typically collected at a server siteusing web logs or at a particular web site. Web logs are maintained atthe server site and record access to web pages, collecting availableuser data as the server administrators may determine. Web logs can beretrieved from web servers and may contain significant amounts ofclick-stream traffic data relating to activities of users that visit aserver. These web logs may contain particular site navigation patternsthat can be analyzed for the pages viewed. This data is captured as apost click-stream event, not in real time, and can only provide as muchuser information as the web server log maintains. With the web logmethod it may be difficult to determine the sequence of the click-streamevents as users navigate through the web sites.

Another method, which may be referred to as page tagging, collects datafrom a particular web site by use of software placed on the web server.This web site software then collects data, as determined by the softwareproviders, as the user browses a page. Using this method, data may becollected for the particular web sites and may maintain a record of theuser's click-stream browsing in the order of the browse events.

One limitation of these web browser click-stream data collectors is thatthey only allow for analysis of user data from particular sites. Dataand reports may only be created as to the habits of a user on theparticular sites. These data collection methods cannot capture thecomplete browsing habits of a user across a plurality of different websites located on a plurality of servers. With this limited click-streamdata there cannot be analysis as to how one site is viewed versusanother. Without collecting data from the full range of the user's webbrowsing, competitive comparisons of viewing trends cannot be complete.

SUMMARY

The methods and systems disclosed herein include methods and systems forproviding a desktop sliding visual media segment or slider that is basedon usage patterns, where a user is provided with control of presentationof the sliding visual media segment. Thus, the methods and systemsprovided herein include tracking a usage pattern by which a user uses acomputing facility; and presenting a visual media segment on a graphicaluser interface associated with the user. In embodiments, the content ofthe visual media segment is based at least in part on the usage pattern.In embodiments, the user has at least partial preemptive control over apresentation parameter associated with the visual media segment. Inembodiments, the graphical user interface is associated with at leastone of a portable computing device, a laptop computing device, a desktopcomputing device, a phone, a cell phone, a PDA, and a mobilecommunication facility. In embodiments, presenting the visual mediasegment includes a segment that slides up from the lower menu bar of acomputer screen. In embodiments, the visual media segment includes apop-up segment on a computer screen. In embodiments, the visual mediasegment includes a semi-transparent visual media segment. Inembodiments, the preemptive control includes the presentation of anindication that a visual media segment will appear. In embodiments, thevisual media segment indication includes an alert on a toolbar. Inembodiments, the alert includes a change in an icon on the toolbar. Inembodiments, the alert includes presentation of an icon on the toolbar.In embodiments, the presentation parameter is a frequency of appearanceparameter. In embodiments, the frequency is regulated in steps. Inembodiments, the steps include high, medium and low. In embodiments, thefrequency is regulated in the number of visual media segments allowed ina given period. In embodiments, the given period is at least one of day,week, month, quarter, and year. In embodiments, the presentationparameter is a size of appearance. In embodiments, the presentationparameter is a color. In embodiments, the presentation parameter is alocation of the visual media segment. In embodiments, the presentationparameter includes an indication of who may send visual media segments.In embodiments, the visual media segment includes a logo. Inembodiments, the visual media segment includes HTML. In embodiments, thevisual media segment includes an animation. In embodiments, theanimation includes flash animation. In embodiments, the visual mediasegment includes a survey. In embodiments, the survey relates to atleast one of health, sales, communication, and service.

In embodiments, the visual media segment includes reminders relating tothe user's health. In embodiments, the reminder relates to medication.In embodiments, the reminder relates to at least one of dosage,injection, intravenous intake, change of medication, time, and type ofmedication. In embodiments, the reminder relates to vitamins. Inembodiments, the reminder relates to food. In embodiments, the reminderrelates to nutrition. In embodiments, the reminder relates to abiometric measurement. In embodiments, the biometric measurement relatesto blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, cholesterol, blood oxygencontent, lung capacity, temperature.

In other embodiments, the visual media segment includes a different kindof reminder. In embodiments, the reminder relates to at least one of acontribution, contribution to an education plan, contribution to asavings plan, contribution to a retirement plan, and a payment. Inembodiments, the visual media segment includes a message segment. Inembodiments, the message segment is adapted for two-way communication.In embodiments, the message segment is adapted for one-waycommunication. In embodiments, the message is associated with a serviceprovider of the user. In embodiments, the message segment includes anoffer. In embodiments, the offer is for at least one of goods, services,sale of goods, sale of services, rental of goods, and rental ofservices. In embodiments, the offer is related to the usage pattern. Inembodiments, the service provider is at least one of the user's cellphone service provider, credit provider, credit card provider, bank,school, credit report provider, power provider, electric provider, gasprovider, broker, and financial analyst.

In embodiments, the visual media segment includes an advertisement. Inembodiments, the advertisement includes a motion component. Inembodiments, the advertisement includes video segment. In embodiments,the video segment includes a video. In embodiments, the video segmentincludes a movie.

In embodiments, the step of sliding the visual media segment furtherincludes sliding the visual media segment without prompting from theuser. In embodiments, the visual media segment provides information froma service provider of the user. In embodiments, the information includesat least one of cell minutes, phone minutes, account balance, accounttransaction information, and music downloads. In embodiments, theinformation is provided on a real-time basis. In embodiments, the methodfurther includes the step of downloading client software to be regulatedby the user. In embodiments, the client software provides at least onetool to be located on a tool bar. In embodiments, the at least one toolincludes a presentation regulation tool. In embodiments, thepresentation regulation tool regulates the presentation parameter. Inembodiments, the client software provides at least one tool bar. Inembodiments, the methods and systems further include the step ofconfiguring server software to be regulated by the user. In embodiments,the server software provides at least one tool to be located on a toolbar. In embodiments, the at least one tool includes a presentationregulation tool. In embodiments, the presentation regulation toolregulates the presentation parameter. In embodiments, the serversoftware provides at least one tool bar. In embodiments, the methodfurther includes the step of distributing the visual media segment. Inembodiments, the distribution includes broadcasting the visual mediasegment to a plurality of computer facility users. In embodiments, thedistribution is targeted. In embodiments, the targeting is based on anaction the user performed. In embodiments, the user performed the actionusing a computing facility. In embodiments, the method is deployed toconnect a service provider with its customer. In embodiments, the useris the customer. In embodiments, the visual media segment is adaptedwith a two-way communication facility. In embodiments, the method isdeployed to connect a product provider with its customer. Inembodiments, the user is the customer. In embodiments, the visual mediasegment is adapted with a two-way communication facility. Inembodiments, the usage pattern includes at least one of webpage usage,purchases, economic transactions, high worth transactions, and serviceprovider interactions.

Methods and systems provided herein may also include methods and systemsfor presenting a user with an indication of the user's worth asattributed by others based on usage patterns. The methods and systemsmay include tracking a usage pattern of a user of a computing facility;attributing a value that is ascribed to the user by another based on theusage pattern; and presenting the user with an indicator of the ascribedvalue. In embodiments, the value reflects the value of the user to aservice provider. In embodiments, the value is ascribed based on aprediction of a future behavior of the user. In embodiments, the futurebehavior is a predicted purchase. In embodiments, the value is ascribedbased on an observed preference of the user. In embodiments, thepreference is observed based on a pattern of online behavior by theuser. In embodiments, the preference is indicated directly by the user.In embodiments, the preference is indicated by a survey. In embodiments,the value is ascribed based on the execution of a transaction by theuser using the computing facility. In embodiments, the transaction is apurchase. In embodiments, the transaction is a sale. In embodiments, thetransaction is shopping. In embodiments, the transaction is aclick-through to a link. In embodiments, the transaction is a bid. Inembodiments, the transaction is an offer to purchase at least one of agood and a service. In embodiments, the transaction is observation of anadvertisement. In embodiments, the transaction is a message. Inembodiments, the transaction is a mouse movement. In embodiments, thetransaction is submission of a form. In embodiments, the transaction iscompletion of a survey. In embodiments, the user is presented withinformation about how the value of the user's usage is determined. Inembodiments, information about how the value of a user's usage patternis determined is withheld from the user. In embodiments, presenting theascribed value includes presenting a visual media segment on a graphicaluser interface associated with the user. In embodiments, the visualmedia segment is a slide menu that slides up from a tool bar. Inembodiments, the visual media segment is a pop-up segment. Inembodiments, the visual media segment is a bar indicator, a square, arectangle, an oval, a depiction of an item of goods (such as anautomobile), a depiction of a financial instrument (such as a check), orthe like. In embodiments, the user's worth is measured in worth to aservice provider. In embodiments, the worth includes worth as measuredby an advertiser. In embodiments, the user's worth is measured in worthto a product provider. In embodiments, the user's worth is based on thefrequency with which a user permits presentation of a visual display tothe user. In embodiments, the user's worth is based on a profile of theuser based on the user's usage pattern. In embodiments, the profile iscreated based on an accumulation of transactions by the user. Inembodiments, the accumulation of transactions facilitate an estimate ofthe net worth of the user. In embodiments, the accumulation oftransactions facilitate a prediction of the price at which a user willpurchase at least one of a good and a service.

Methods and systems disclosed herein may also include a sliding visualmedia segment that includes at least one offer, where the user can makean election to earn worth points. Such methods and systems may includepresenting an offer to a user associated with a more link to indicatemore information on the offer is desired and a no more link to indicateno further information on the offer is desired and attributing a valueto each action of the user in response to the offer. In embodiments, thevalue includes worth as measured by a service provider. In embodiments,the value includes worth as measured by an advertiser. In embodiments,the value includes worth as measured by a product provider.

Methods and systems disclosed herein may also include methods forproviding client software for tracking and communicating with preemptiveparameter control. Such methods and systems may include providingcommunication software adapted to track a usage pattern of a user of acomputing facility through the presentation of a visual media segment ona graphical user interface associated with the user based at least inpart on the usage pattern. In embodiments, the user has at least partialpreemptive control over a presentation parameter associated with thevisual media segment. The methods and systems may also includeestablishing a loyalty sign-up panel associated with a service provider,presenting a description of a loyalty program and allowing a user todownload software to enable the tracking of the usage pattern.

Methods and systems may also include methods and systems for providing aslide-up visual media segment for presentation on a graphical userinterface of a user and allowing a user to execute an action within theslide-up visual media segment with a single action of the user. Inembodiments, the action is execution of a transaction. In embodiments,the action is setting a parameter. In embodiments, the action is relatedto a promotion presented to the user in the visual media segment. Inembodiments, the action is purchase of goods. In embodiments, the actionis viewing of an offer. In embodiments, the action is joining a loyaltyprogram. In embodiments, the action is purchase of a service. Inembodiments, the action is viewing an advertisement. In embodiments, theaction is sending the visual media segment to another user. Inembodiments, sending the visual media segment causes the user to receivea reward.

Methods and systems disclosed herein also include methods and systemsfor providing a slide-up visual media segment for presentation on agraphical user interface of a user and enabling bidirectionalcommunication within the slide-up visual media segment. In embodiments,the communication includes a message from an advertiser. In embodiments,the communication includes an offer and allows acceptance of the offer.In embodiments, the communication enables formation of an agreement. Inembodiments, the communication enables setting of a parameter forfurther communication. In embodiments, the communication is between auser and a marketer. The methods and systems may also include tracking ausage pattern of the user. In embodiments, the communication is based ona usage pattern of the user, such as any of the usage patterns describedelsewhere herein.

Methods and systems disclosed herein include methods and systems fortracking the usage pattern of a computer facility by a user; presentingthe usage pattern to a plurality of marketers; and attributing a valueto the user based on an auction among the marketers. The methods andsystems may also include presenting the user a visual media segment thatrepresents the value attributed to the user based on the auction. Themethods and systems may also include allowing a subset of marketers tointeract with the user based on the results of the auction. Inembodiments, the number of marketers allowed to interact with the useris determined based on a parameter set by the user. In embodiments, theuser sets the parameter within a visual media segment presented to theuser.

Methods and systems disclosed herein also include methods and systemsfor providing a slide up visual media segment with account informationof a user. The methods and systems include methods and systems forpresenting a visual media segment in the graphical user interface of auser device and displaying account information for a user account withinthe visual media segment. In embodiments, the account information isaccount information for an account the user has with a service provider.In embodiments, the visual media segment includes account informationfor more than one account from a service provider. In embodiments, theuser can execute a transaction associated with the account by taking anaction entirely within the visual media segment. In embodiments, theaccount information is information from more than one service provider.In embodiments, the account information is collected using a client-sideapplication installed on the user's computer. In embodiments, theaccount information accesses a security item located on the user'scomputer. In embodiments, the security item is a stored password. Inembodiments, the security item is a password entered in the visual mediasegment. In embodiments, the account is selected from the groupconsisting of a bank account, a savings account, a retirement account,an investment account, a checking account, a credit card account, adebit card account, a store account, a loyalty program account, anairline miles account, a hotel reward program account, a rental caraccount, an account for a utility, an account for a telecommunicationsservice, an account for a television service, an account for a personalservice, an account for a home service, an insurance account, a mortgageaccount, and a tax account. In embodiments, the account information iscollect using server-side software. The methods and systems may alsoinclude tracking a usage pattern of the user of the computing facilityand presenting a selected visual media segment based on the usagepattern. In embodiments, the visual media segment allows the user to paya bill based on an action of the user entirely within the visual mediasegment.

Provided herein are methods and systems for a data collecting platform(DCP) that records web browser click event data and provides a record ofuser on-line activity. The DCP may provide a data collection agent (DCA)and an update agent (UA) that reside on a user client station and aremote data collection server (DCS) to collect the recorded user on-lineactivity from the client station. The collected on-line activity maythen be analyzed to determine how competitive sites may be viewed by theusers.

One industry in which on-line behavior is highly relevant is the autoindustry. In an embodiment, an auto manufacturer may wish to know howInternet viewers are researching a particular model versus acompetitor's similar model. Based on the browser click event data from aplurality of web browser users, the data may be analyzed to determinewhich of two models has more viewings. In another embodiment, the samemanufacturer may receive data that a different model of auto has becomethe primary competition for its model, therefore requiring a change inmarketing strategy. Similar analysis may be made in many otherindustries.

In an embodiment, the (DCA) may record the web browser click events ofthe user and may be activated as the client station operating system isbooted. The DCA may remain active until the operating system is shutdown. As the client station operating system boots up, the DCA mayconnect with the DCS for a time stamp that may be used for all futuretime recording of the web browser click events. In an embodiment, thistime stamp request may assure that the plurality of DCA users clickevent data are based on the same clock. Therefore, as data is reviewedat a later date, the browser click events may be presented in the orderof the events on one clock as opposed to the plurality of individualnon-synchronized client station clocks. In an embodiment, the DCA maycomprise a browser event plug-in, event state machine, rules engine,data recorder, update agent monitor, network performance monitor, DCSmonitor, configuration engine, or other component that may be requiredto support web browser click event recording.

In an embodiment, the DCA may have operational parameters that may beused by the various components of the DCA. In an embodiment, theoperation parameters may be requested from the DCS through an HTTPS orHTTP connection. A configuration engine may process the operationalparameters that may be in an XML file, SQL table, OBDC table, Jetdatabase, ASCII file, or other data format. Once the DCA receives newoperational parameters, the configuration engine may update the DCA.

In an embodiment, the client station may record the browser click eventwith a plurality of threads that monitor web browser activity andcapture the web browser click events. The plurality of threads may becalculated by the connection throughput that may be determined by thenetwork performance monitor (NPM). In an embodiment, periodicallydownloading a fixed length document and measuring the response time maydetermine the connection throughput and therefore determine the numberof threads used by the DCA.

In an embodiment, the web browser may be Microsoft Internet explorer(MSIE), AOL, Netscape or other compatible web browser. The DCA may usethe web browser plug-in or similar capability as the method to detectthe event. The web browser click event data may be recorded in afirst-in-first-out (FIFO) queue as the user browses the web. The datarecorder may adjust the FIFO queue order based on the operationalparameters available on the client station. In an embodiment, the webbrowser click event data may be ordered into categories of collecteddata. The data recorder may transmit the data to the data collectionserver (DCS) for additional data processing. The data may be transmittedby HTTPS using the POST or other method. The DCS then may reply to theDCA with an XML file, SQL table, OBDC table, Jet database, ASCII file,or other data format. The data may be transmitted by HTTP if a HTTPSconnection is not accessible.

In an embodiment, the web browser click event may be processed by theevent state machine (ESM) whereby the web browser click event may bedetermined to be pertinent. Rules for web browser click events beingpertinent may be determined by the operational parameters downloadedfrom the DCS. Non-pertinent web browser click events are discarded, andno further processing may be performed on non-pertinent web browserclick events. The web browser click event output may be the URLinformation of the web site visited and additional data, such as userID, date, time, event type, or other available data passed to the rulesengine.

In an embodiment, the rules engine may transform the ESM web browserclick event output by deleting information such as user name, password,account numbers, or like personal data. The rules engine may presentadditional actions based on user web browsing activity in that asecondary web browser window may be opened. In an embodiment, thesecondary web browser window may require a user interaction such as anon-line survey or other user action. In an embodiment, the rules enginemay request new rules from DCS in the form of an XML file, SQL table,OBDC table, Jet database, ASCII file, or other data format, and the newrules may over write existing rules. There may be a graphical userinterface (GUI) provided to DCS administrators to allow adding orediting of rules. The added or edited rules may be for subsequent webbrowser click events once downloaded to the DCA. After the rules enginecompletes the web browser click event transformations, the web browserclick events may be transmitted to the data recorder and may be sent asa click-stream file to the DCS.

In an embodiment, the event logger may record operational events such asapplication start, application stop, application re-starts, or otherapplication operation events. The operational events that may betransmitted to DCS may be a separate file from a click-stream file.

In an embodiment, there may be a UA that may download software updatesfrom the DCS. If an update is available from the DCS, the update may bedownloaded and launched. In an embodiment, the download may be receivedin an installation facility, which may include an executable script suchas a Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) from Nullsoft. In anembodiment, the update may execute on the client station in a sequencethat may comprise un-compression of the update, shut down of requiredsoftware, installation of new update, changes to the Registry (e.g.Microsoft® Windows® Registry) that reflect the nature of the update, andrestart of the software. The sequence of downloading and installing newsoftware updates may run as a background application and may beunnoticed by the user. In an embodiment, the UA may verify that the DCAis operational, and the DCA may verify that the UA is operational. TheUA may restart the DCA or the DCA may restart the UA.

In an embodiment, the DCS may be a collection of dedicated software, offthe shelf software, custom software, and storage that may recordclick-stream data from the DCA. In an embodiment, the DCA may accrue rawevents from a plurality of users into at least one raw event file; thesefiles may be based on a one to one mapping of DCS servers to raw eventlogs. The DCA may then transmit the raw event files to a holding areafor aggregation.

As used herein the term “Voicebox” refers to software developed byCompete, Inc. used to generate visual media segments as described inmore detail herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The systems and methods described herein may be understood by referenceto the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows the Data Collection Platform (DCP) according to theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the communication between the DCA and DCS for parameterupdates according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the DCA according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows the Event State Machine (ESM) according to the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the rules engine according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 shows the rules engine transformation according to the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the event logger according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 shows the Update Agent updating the DCA according to theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows the DCS according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a visual media segment according tothe principles of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a visual media segment generating facilityarchitecture for implementing a visual media segment process accordingto the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of providing client software for trackingand communicating with preemptive parameter control according to theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates various configurations for a visual media segmentaccording to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a visual media segment according to principles of thepresent invention including real time account.

FIG. 15 illustrates a slide up visual media segment including a useraction segment according to principles of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method of communication according to theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method for providing visual media segment based atleast in part of the user's usage patterns according to the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a visual media segment generation facility accordingto the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alert facility adapted to alter a user ofinformation pertaining to a visual media segment according to theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a visual media segment including an image zoneaccording to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a visual media segment including a survey accordingto the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a visual media segment including a reminderaccording to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a visual media segment including a message segmentaccording to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates an offer visual media segment according to theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a method for signing up for a loyalty programaccording to aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates several embodiments of the visual appearance of avisual media segment according to the principles of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the Data Collection Platform (DCP)102 is shown. The data collection server (DCS) 104 may be a remoteserver and may communicate with the client station 112 by HTTPS or HTTPconnection. In an embodiment, the update agent (UA) 108 and the datacollection agent (DCA) 110 may be located on the client station 112. Theresponsibility of the UA 108 may be to manage the downloading ofsoftware updates from the DCS 104 and to launch the updates. In anembodiment, at a time determined by the client station 112configuration, the UA 108 may inquire if software updates are availablefrom the DCS 104. The UA 108 may download the update from the URLspecified in the client station 112 configuration file and may store thefile for future update on the client station 112. The UA 108 may updatethe Registry of the client station 112 with the name of the softwareupdate executable. The UA 108 may start the update process for exampleby running the available executable defined in the Registry of theclient station 112. The update executable may perform all sequences thatare required to provide the update to the DCA 110.

The DCA 110 is responsible for the recording of the user web browserclick event data as the user navigates the web. The DCA 110 may containseveral specialized components to record and modify the web browserclick event before a click-stream file is transmitted to the DCS 104. Inan embodiment, the DCA 110 may interact with the client station 112 webbrowser using the web browser plug-in capability or using helper objectcapability, or a similar capability. The web browser may be MicrosoftInternet Explorer®, America on Line®, Netscape®, or other web browser.In an embodiment, once the web browser click event is recorded, the DCA110 may determine if the web browser click event is pertinent, removepersonal data, reorder the web browser click event, or otherwise modifydata prior to sending a click-stream file to the DCS 104. Thedetermination of how the web browser click event data may be modifiedmay be stored in a file maintained in the client station 112.

In an embodiment, the DCA 110 is activated when the client station 112operating system is booted and may remain active until the clientstation 112 is powered off. In an embodiment, the UA 108 and the DCA 110may be self-maintaining in that each may verify that the other isactive. In an embodiment, if the UA 108 determined that the DCA 110 wasnot active, the UA 108 may reactivate the DCA 110. The DCA 110 mayreactivate the UA if it was determined to be inactive. In an embodiment,the DCA 110 and UA 108 may be able to maintain their own operationalstate and be self-correcting.

Referring to FIG. 2 the embodiment of the communication between the DCA110 and DCS 104 for parameter updates is shown. The DCA 110 may beconfigurable in that a configuration file 204 may contain operationalparameters for the DCA 110 operation. In an embodiment, the DCA 110 mayrequest whether new operational parameters are available on the DCS 104.The DCA 110 request regarding operational parameters may be based on theDCA 110 version, configuration file, internal DCA 110 timer, or othermethod. The DCS 104 may have a decision sequence 202 to determine ifthere are new operational parameters available for the DCA 110. If thereare new operational parameters, the configuration file 204 may betransmitted in an XML file, SQL table, OBDC table, Jet database, ASCIIfile, or other data format to the DCA 110.

In an embodiment, the DCA 110 may feature a configuration engine 208that updates the DCA 110 with the latest configuration file 204. Theconfiguration engine 208 may make changes to the configuration file inthe DCA 110.

Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the DCA 110 components may beshown. The user on a client station 112 may initiate a web browserclick-event 302. The web browser click event 302 may be any navigationthe user initiates with a supported web browser. In an embodiment, thevarious components of the DCA may be multi-threaded; for example, thebrowser plug-in 304 may be multi-threaded to record the userclick-stream. The number of threads of the data recorder 312 may bedetermined by the connection speed of the client station 112, asmeasured by the network performance monitor (NPM) 314, which maydetermine the connection speed by periodically downloading a fixedlength document and measuring response speed.

In an embodiment, the browser plug-in 304 may record the web browserclick event and may pass the recorded web browser click event to the ESM308. In an embodiment, based on rules, the ESM 308 may determine if aweb browser click event or group of web browser click events ispertinent. A web browser click event that is determined to benon-pertinent may be discarded and not reported to the DCS 104. A webbrowser click event that is determined to be pertinent by the ESM 308may have information such as the URL, user ID, data, time, event type,or other information added to the web browser click event data.

The ESM 308 may transmit all pertinent web browser click events to therules engine 310. In an embodiment, it is critical to protect theanonymity of users running the DCA 110; therefore, all personal data maybe removed from the web browser click event. A rules file may bemaintained as an XML file, SQL table, OBDC table, Jet database, ASCIIfile, or other data format. In an embodiment, the rules engine may usethe rules file to remove the personal information by replacing thepersonal information with another character. In another embodiment, therules engine 310 may detect patterns of user behavior such as navigatingto a complex list of sites within a certain time. Based on this behaviorthe rules engine 310 may initiate a new browser window requestingfurther user action, such as asking the user to participate in anon-line survey.

The rules engine 310 may transmit the web browser click event to athread of the data recorder 312. In an embodiment, it may be theresponsibility of the thread of the data recorder 312 to buffer thetransformed web browser click events into a click-stream and transmitthe final click-stream to the DCS 104. The thread of the data recorder312 may transmit the click-stream to the DCS 104 by HTTPS or HTTP usingthe POST or other method. In an embodiment, the thread of the datarecorder 312 may determine if a connection exists to transmit theclick-stream to the DCS 104. If no connection exists the thread of thedata recorder 312 may buffer the click-stream until a connection isestablished with the DCS 104, when all buffered data may be transmitted.In an embodiment, there may be a plurality of data recorders 312 and thedata recorders 312 (or threads thereof) may revise the order of thereceived web browser click events before transmitting the click-streamfile to the DCS 104.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the Event State Machine (ESM) 308is shown. In an embodiment, the web browser click event 402 may betransmitted to the ESM 308 where there may be a pertinent sequence 404to determine if the web browser click event 402 is useful. In anembodiment, the pertinent sequence 404 may use a configuration file 408to retrieve the rules for pertinent web browser click eventdetermination. Non-pertinent click-streams may be discarded, and nofurther processing may be performed on non-pertinent click-stream. Thepertinent web browser click event may be the URL information, andadditional data such as user ID, date, time, event type, and otherinformation may be added to the web browser click event. The ESM 308 maythen transmit the pertinent web browser click event to the rules engine310.

Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the rules engine 310 is shown. TheESM 308 may transmit web browser click events to the rules engine 310.In an embodiment, the rules engine 310 may have a transformationsequence 502 for the removal of the user personal information from theweb browser click event. The transformation sequence 502 may modify theweb browser click event by deleting personal information such as username, password, account numbers, or similar personal data. Thetransformation sequence 502 may receive information for removal ofpersonal information from a configuration file 510 that may be receivedfrom the DCS 104. In another embodiment, the rules engine 310 maypresent additional actions 504 based on user actions while browsing theweb. The configuration file 510 may maintain information as to userbrowsing habits that may indicate to the action sequence 504 that one ormore actions is to be taken, such as opening a secondary web browserwindow 508, opening a configuration file, loading rules, modifyingrules, recording information about the user, launching an application,or the like. The secondary web browser window 508 may require userinteraction such as an on-line survey or other user action. The rulesengine 310 may transmit the transformed web browser click event to thedata recorder 312.

Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the rules engine transformationsequence 502 is shown. The ESM 308 may transmit a web browser clickevent to the rules engine transformation sequence 502. The received webbrowser click event 602 may be queried for personal data to be removedsuch as user name, password, account numbers, or similar personal data.The personal data types to be removed may be stored in the configurationfile 510 that may be received from the DCS 104. The resulting webbrowser click event 604 may have its personal data removed by overwriting the personal data with another character. The resulting webbrowser click event 604 may then be output 608.

Referring to FIG. 7, the embodiment of the event logger 702 monitoringthe client station 112 is shown. The client station 112 may be executingthe DCA 110 while the event logger 702 may be monitoring the clientstation 112 for any change of operational status 704. Operational eventsmay be an application start, application stop, application re-starts, orother application operation events. In an embodiment, if there are nostatus changes 704, then the monitoring by the event logger 702 maycontinue. In another embodiment, if there is a status change 704, then alog file 708 may be created to record the operational status change. Theevent logger 702 may have a sequence for determination to send 710 thelog file 708 or buffer the information for later transmission.

Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of the UA 108 updating the DCA 110 isshown. In an embodiment, the UA 108 may download available softwareupdates from the DCS 104 to maintain the DCA 110 in the most up to dateversion. In an embodiment, an update sequence 802 may determine if anupdate is available from the DCS 104 and the update may be launched. Thedownload may be received in connection with an installation facility,such as, for example, a Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) fromNullsoft. In an embodiment, the update may execute on the client station112 in a sequence similar to un-compression of the update 804, shut downof required software 808, installation of new update 810, changes to theRegistry 812, and restart of the software 814. The sequence ofdownloading and installing new software updates may run as a backgroundapplication and may be unnoticed by the user.

Referring to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the DCS 104 is shown. The DCS 104may receive click-stream data from the DCA 110, and the click-streamdata may be acted on by a collection of software 902 that may comprisethe DCS 104. The click-stream data may be stored on a data storagefacility, such as a mass storage device 904. In an embodiment, the DCA110 may accrue raw events from a plurality of users into at least oneraw event file 908; these files may be based on a one to one mapping ofDCS 104 servers to raw event logs. The DCA 110 may then transmit the rawevent files to a holding area for aggregation by the Data Pipeline 910.

An aspect of the present invention relates to presentation of visualmedia segment within graphical user interface (GUI) where the visualmedia segment includes information relating to a user's click streaminformation, customer service, customer interactions, communications,customer communication, survey questions, survey results, productoffers, service offers or other products or services. In embodiments,the visual media segments slide into the GUI from a tool bar. In otherembodiments the visualization pops into the GUI, drops into the GUI, orotherwise appears within the GUI. In certain preferred embodiments thevisual media segment slides into the GUI from a portion of a tool bar orstatus bar such as that found in the lower right section of a Windows®application, forming a sliding visual media segment, also referred toherein as a slide or slider. This is an area known for providing statusof many processes running on the computer and this area may also be usedto slide a visual media segment into the GUI. The visual media segmentmay be based on usage patterns of a user and the user may have controlover the segment (e.g. frequency of sliding in, types of informationpresented). The visual media segment may provide the user with anindication of the user's worth as judged by others based on the usersclick patterns. The segment may provide the user with a directconnection to content on the client or on the web. The segment may alsobe presented to provide bi-directional communications from within thesegment. The visual media segment may also include media content such asflash media, video, images and other content. In certain embodiments,the visual media segment is designed to represent a product or serviceand may include an offer, survey, communication or other information.There are many embodiments described herein relating to the presentationof information through the use of a visual media segment according tothe principles of the present invention. In the various embodiments ofthe invention described herein, visual media segments may be associatedwith other media segments, such as audio media segments, video mediasegments, media files, informational media segments, text media segmentsand the like. In certain other embodiments, certain principles of theinvention may be used to generate or execute other types of mediasegments in the absence of visual media segments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a visual media segment 1014according to the principles of the present invention. The visual mediasegment 1014 may slide into the GUI from a tool bar or status bar 1012of a Windows environment for example. In this embodiment, a tool bar1012 is presented at the bottom of a GUI (e.g. above the status icons atthe bottom right hand corner of a Windows environment) through a slidepresentation. That is, the segment appears to slide into the GUI fromwithin the status bar. The segment software may be client based and maybe user controlled. The segment software may also operate in conjunctionwith other software features described herein, such as click streammonitoring software. For example, once the click stream monitoringsoftware collects enough information to indicate what the user likes, aserver based click stream monitoring system may communicate to the userwhat appears to be relevant information through the visual mediasegment. A user may also be able to control the appearance, frequency orother parameters associated with the visual media segment through theclient based software. In embodiments, the software generating thevisual media segments may be referred to as Voicebox.

FIG. 11 illustrates a visual media segment generating facilityarchitecture 1100 for implementing a visual media segment processaccording to the principles of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the environments are broken up into three main sections: theserver environment 1102, the client environment 1108, and theadministrator's environment 1104.

The visual media segment generating facility architecture 1100 mayinclude DCA client(s) 1128 may capture information and capture variousinformation (e.g. clicks, as well as process/software info, such as whatelse is running on desktop). The DCA clients may be adapted to performfunctions as described herein for example.

The visual media segment generating facility architecture 1100 mayinclude an update agent 1124 that is adapted to function in coordinationwith DCA and may be responsible for updating the DCA with voice boxrules, privacy rules, software updates, and or configuration rules. Theupdate agent 1124 may receive update information from the DCS servers1150 for example. In embodiments the UA 1124 updates the DCA 1128 viashared memory and resets the DCA.

The DCA 1128 may also feed the DCS servers 1102 through a clickstreamlogger 1132 and or a process/software/QA info section 1130.

The DCA 1128 may also feed header information (e.g. in a format such as1205/1213/userid/config./rules/survey preq). The header may includevarious forms of identifying information (e.g. what panel/what user/whatconfiguration ID/what rules version/survey information). In embodiments,the every request that is logged is passed along as part of the header.In embodiments, there is a corresponding functional server for each ofthe DCA and UA functions. In embodiments, the server may not be aseparate physical server, but may consist of server functionality whichcorresponds to each of the DCA and/or UA functions.

The DCS servers 1102 may include functions for Visual media segmentgenerating facility rules 1150, privacy rules 1140, software updates1138, and configuration rules 1134 as well as other functions that areperformed by the DCA. In embodiments, the rules, updates andconfigurations are embodied in XML.

The visual media segment generating facility administrative interface1104 may be used to set broadcast rules 1112 (e.g. broadcasting to awhole panel or customers, based on offline data, triggered by anyparameter such as configuration settings, rule settings, panel settingsor the like). The administrative interface 1104 may also be responsiblefor setting and communicating behavioral rules (e.g. XML-based rules).For example, the behavioral rules may chain a series of domains togetherincluding actions. The chain may include instructions or commands forwhen a user goes to a particular domain or type of page. For example,when the user goes to the Yahoo Finance refinance page and then goes tothe ‘Lower My Bills’ page, the rules may generate a command thatinitiates another action, such as opening a secondary page and showingalternative content, such as content associated with a different URL(e.g. an HTML page or tag is triggered), uploading or downloadingsomething (e.g. an executable file), updating software, installing newsoftware, or the like. For example, a user may be delivered files suchas a Flash-based file, a visual media segment, an audio segment, amultimedia slider, a slide according to the principles of the presentinvention, or other file or action. By way of example, the process mayinclude first uploading to the server. The UA may check and know toupdate the user code so the software is on desktop if they triggerrules. If rules trigger, then it executes on the users desktop. Forexample, a flash animation, compiled .exe files, or other file that isdownloaded beforehand may trigger if the rules match. In embodiments,rule set 1110 that combines broadcast rules 1112 with behavior rules maybe generated by the visual media segment generating facilityAdministrative Interface 1104.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of providing client software for trackingand communicating with preemptive parameter control. The visual mediasegment generating facility software may be downloaded to a client 1202from a server 1204 and it may ultimately reside on and execute frominternal client memory 1208. The user may retain the ability to controlthe visual media segment generating facility software and the pop-ups,slide ups and other interactive behaviors of the software. This maypresent the user with control over the number of advertisements shownover a particular period for example. The client software may alsoinclude triggers for rule based behavior of the system. As describedabove, the rules may be broadcast from a server or they may have beenincluded in the original software, or provided in some other fashion.Rules may be triggered based on usage (e.g. shopping patterns,messaging, purchasing, or transactions). The Visual media segmentgenerating facility software let the user control the experience andinteractivity with information and or communications as they are sent tothe client. For example, while the user is surfing amazon.com the systemmay trigger a rule that was originally set by the Administrator. Therule may execute a program that launches a slide-up survey for example.In embodiments, the user may have control over the rules, when they arelaunched, or other parameters.

There are many actions that may be initiated from within a slide-upaccording to aspects of the present invention. For example, a user mayinteract with a slide up for one of the following actions: accountinformation, message center, customer support, listen to ring tones (orother sample products), view products, complete a survey, view video,hear audio, hear ring tones from the phone provider, view pictures,express interest in learning more (or decline), searching, one-clickpurchasing, shopping cart activities, ordering items or services orother actions.

The user may configure slide-up preferences such as frequency ofinteractions, when or how many promotional offers to be viewed in aperiod, to see preview alerts, to show all surveys that qualify forcertain criteria, show contest rules, certain type of ads, appearanceand color, size of the ads, whether or not there is a sound componentallowed, whether to allow video, allow Flash, allow movement across thescreen, allow content by age appropriateness (time of day-based), it maybe based on an appropriate demographic (e.g. age, gender, income, zipcode, education, occupation, cars they drive, cost of home, where youare (location-based slide ups—computer location, home or officecomputer, connection speed, tests to verify (download a small file andtime how long it takes (what is true connection speed)), connectionspeed, type of connection, what other applications are running(executable names used to QA and see if the application is behavingproperly (e.g., whether something is running in the background), RAM,CPU, type of computer, marriage status, status of children, or otherinformation.

FIG. 13 illustrates the visual media segment may be provided as aslide-in 1304, slide-up 1308, pop-up 1302 or other type of visual mediasegment. The user may control aspects of the visual media segment suchas whether the visual media segment slides up, slides down, pops up, thesize, shape, frequency of appearance, transition effects (e.g. such asgrowing 1310), what actions can be executed in it, allowingbi-directional communication, allowing communication, if it can includeother actions, the visual effects provided with/in the visual mediasegment (e.g. it may be shaped/skinned (e.g., shaped like a car for autoprovider; phone for telephone company, etc.)).

FIG. 14 shows a visual media segment 1014 according to principles of thepresent invention including real time account information 1402. Inembodiments, the visual media segment may tie into shopping mall orother online shopping, may tie into branding, be related to searching ora search engine user interface, or provide other useful interactions.The information included in the visual media segment may include cellminutes, phone minutes, account balance, account transactioninformation, or music downloads for example. In an embodiment theinformation may be provided on a real-time basis. In an embodiment, theinformation may be presented on a historical basis or othernon-real-time basis.

A visual media segment according to the principles of the presentinvention may include account information. A method associated withpresenting the account information may involve presenting a visual mediasegment in the graphical user interface of a user device; and displayingaccount information for a user account within the visual media segment.The account information may be account information for an account theuser has with a service provider. The visual media segment may includeaccount information for more than one account from a service provider.The user may be able to execute a transaction associated with theaccount by taking an action entirely within the visual media segment.The account information may be information from more than one serviceprovider. The account information may be collected using a client-sideapplication installed on the user's computer. The account informationmay access a security item located on the user's computer. The securityitem may be a stored password. The security item may be a passwordentered in the visual media segment. In embodiments, the account isselected from the group consisting of a bank account, a savings account,a retirement account, an investment account, a checking account, acredit card account, a debit card account, a store account, a loyaltyprogram account, an airline miles account, a hotel reward programaccount, a rental car account, an account for a utility, an account fora telecommunications service, an account for a television service, anaccount for a personal service, an account for a home service, aninsurance account, a mortgage account, and a tax account. The accountinformation may be collected using server-side software. In embodiments,the methods may also involve tracking a usage pattern of the user of thecomputing facility and presenting a selected visual media segment basedon the usage pattern. The visual media segment may allow the user to paya bill based on an action of the user entirely within the visual mediasegment.

A desktop slide-in visual media segment according to the principles ofthe present invention may be based of the usage patterns of the user andthe user may have control of the presentation of the visual mediasegment. The slide-in may include account information, informationpertaining to account types, movie rentals, music (e.g. ITUNES accountinformation), and software/game account information.

FIG. 15 illustrates a slide up visual media segment 1014 including auser action segment 1502 according to principles of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the user action segment 1502 includes aninstant messaging facility. In embodiments, the user action segment 1502may include provisions that include providing that the action takesplace entirely within the slide up visual media segment and or notopening an application or a browser window to further facilitate theaction. The action segment may be adapted to provide one-click shopping,an offer, an acceptance, a click through, a message (e.g. email, IM,SMS), completion of a survey, communication back to a marketer, viewinga worth, viewing the user's worth, viewing or interacting with accountinformation (e.g. transfer/balance check/payment), a PAYPAL facility, abidding facility (e.g. to view or submit a bid to an auction), or otheractions.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method of communication 1600 according to theprinciples of the present invention. The method may include a service orproduct provider 1604 (e.g. cell phone service provider) and a customer1602 wherein the communication between the two is facilitated through aslide up visual media segment 1014 including a communication actionfacility 1502. In embodiments, the method of communication may includebi-directional communication. In embodiments, the communication mayinvolve communication with a marketer, service provider, productprovider, search facility, bank, support provider, contractor, or otherperson or entity. In embodiments, the communication may be triggeredthrough a rule or other event. The communication may be related toseeing a value associated with yourself or others, taking actions,communication initiated by your service provider, marketer initiatedvisual media segment that allows communication, communications aboutaccounts, communications about offers and revised offers and prices,availability, service, shipping options/details, support (e.g.technical, psychological, social), warranty options, warranty, contractterms and conditions, contract terms that can be varied, under coating,options/packages, up sale to a better model, interest rate/financingoffers, minutes packages, loans, credit card offers,points/miles/promotions, bill payment (refinancing), debt restructuring,travel packages, upgrade to first class, hotel room for trip, rental carfor trip, restaurant information, points balance information, when andhow you can use points, travel packages, schedule alerts, special offersfor travel items, pharmaceuticals, health, recalls, generic drugalternatives, alternative prescriptions, drug use information (e.g. whento take medication or where or when to inject), scheduling, communityfor disease sufferers, or other areas.

An aspect of the present invention relates to providing a visual mediasegment in a user's computer facility based on the user's usagepatterns. Embodiments further relate to providing the user control oversuch visual media segments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method for providing visual media segments basedat least in part on the user's usage patterns. In this embodiment, acustomer 1704 may use a computing facility including Visual mediasegment generating facility and DCA software according to the principlesof the present invention. A click logger 1132 may track the behavior ofthe customer and pass certain behavior onto a service provider 1702. Theservice provider may already be a service provider to the customer or bea prospective service provider. The user's privacy rules may allow forthe passing of certain information to third parties, such as currentservice providers, competitors of current service providers, or otherthird parties of interest. The service provider may realize that itscustomer 1704 is thinking of switching service providers because theyare looking at competitive sites for example. The service provider 1702may then communicate a new offer to the customer through a communicationthrough the client based Visual media segment generating facilitysoftware. Based on the rules, and other control factors set by the user,the Visual media segment generating facility software may generate aslide up visual media segment including the offer or informationrelating to the offer.

In embodiments, a slide up visual media segment's presentation may beregulated by a user's computer usage patterns. The computer usagepatterns may be based on usage patterns at multiple network domains. Forexample, one may make inferences based on complex behavior of the userbased on the selection of domains. In embodiments, the behavior may bejudged on more than one domain, two domains, or three or more domains.In embodiments, the computer usage behavior may be based in part on aclick-through or multiple click throughs at a particular domain. Inembodiments, the usage behavior may be based in part on data from acustomer. Information from a customer may be used to augment othercomputer usage behavior as well.

FIG. 18 illustrates a visual media segment generation facility 1800. Thevisual media segment generation facility may include software withseveral components, such as a visual media segment generator 1804, apreemptive control settings facility 1810, a user interaction trackingfacility (e.g. a click logger 1802), a rules facility 1808 and a userinterface 1812. The system may be adapted to track a usage pattern bywhich a user uses a computing facility (e.g. through tracking of on-lineor off-line click behavior through the click logger 1802). The systemmay also be adapted to present a visual media segment 1014 on agraphical user interface associated with the user, wherein the contentof the visual media segment is based at least in part on the usagepattern; wherein the user has at least partial preemptive control over apresentation parameter associated with the visual media segment (e.g.through interaction with the preemptive controller and it settings1810). The graphical user interface may be associated with a portablecomputing device, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device,a phone, a cell phone, a PDA, mobile communication facility or othersuch facility for example. As described herein, the visual media segment1014 may be a segment that slides up from the lower menu bar of acomputer screen, a pop-up segment on a computer screen, or other form ofvisual media segment. The visual media segment may appear as atransparent, semi-transparent, or translucent visual media segment.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alert facility 1902 adapted to alter a user ofinformation pertaining to a visual media segment 1014. For example, thealert 1902 may show up on a tool bar or within the alert or informationsection of a toolbar and provide a user with an indication that a visualmedia segment 1014 is ready to appear. The alert facility may be analert on a toolbar, change in appearance within an icon on the toolbar,an icon on the toolbar. The client software may provide a tool to belocated on a tool bar. The tool may be a presentation regulation toolwherein the presentation regulation tool regulates a presentationparameter associated with a visual media segment. The client softwaremay provide a tool bar containing tools for the regulation of the visualmedia segment.

Referring back to FIG. 18, a user may have preemptive control over theappearance and or content of the visual media segment 1014 throughinteraction with the preemptive control settings 1810. For example, theuser may control a presentation parameter such as frequency ofappearance of the visual media segment. The frequency may be regulatedin steps. The steps include high, medium and low. The frequency may beregulated by the number of visual media segments allowed in a givenperiod. The given period may be measured as the number allowed in a day,week, month, quarter, year or other period of time. The controlledpresentation parameter may determine a size of the visual media segmentwhen it appears. The presentation parameter may relate to a color. Thepresentation parameter may be a location of the visual media segment.The presentation parameter may be an indication of who is sending,responsible for, or associated with a visual media segment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a visual media segment 1014 including an image zone2002. The image zone may include a logo, an HTML image, an animation,flash animation, picture, video, movie, advertisement or other image.The visual media segment may include an advertisement. The advertisementmay include a motion component. The advertisement may include a videosegment. The video segment may include streaming video. The videosegment may include a movie.

FIG. 21 illustrates a visual media segment 1014 including a survey 2102.The survey may generate two-way interactions, one-directionalinteractions, or other interactions to solicit information relating to asurvey subject. The survey subject may relate to a service, product,event, time, duration, satisfaction or other parameter of interest in asurvey. For example, the survey may relate to health care, serviceplans, service, product sales, advertising, communication, or othertopic.

FIG. 22 illustrates a visual media segment 1014 including a reminder2202. The visual media segment may include reminders relating to theuser's health for example. The reminder may relate to medication. Thereminder may relate dosage, injection, intravenous intake, change ofmedication, time, type of medication, or other information relating tomedication and or health. The reminder may relate to vitamins. Thereminder may relate to food, nutrition, a biometric measurement, bloodpressure, blood sugar, heart rate, cholesterol, blood oxygen content,lung capacity, temperature or other parameter. The reminder may relateto an economic contribution, contribution to an education plan,contribution to a savings plan, contribution to a retirement plan, or apayment for example.

FIG. 23 illustrates a visual media segment 1014 including a messagesegment 2302. The message segment may be adapted for two-waycommunication (e.g. instant messaging, email messaging, SMS). Themessage segment may be adapted for one-way communication (e.g.advertisement communication from a service provider). The message may beassociated with a service provider of the user (e.g. a cell phoneservice provider, an auto service provider, a product supplier). Themessage segment may include an offer. The offer may be for goods,services, sale of goods, sale of services, rental of goods, or rental ofservices. The offer may be related to a usage pattern of the user and orcomputing facility (e.g. tracking of where the user is going on the web,tracking what services the user is looking at on the web, tracking whatproducts the user is looking at on the web). The service provider is maybe the user's cell phone service provider, credit provider, credit cardprovider, bank, school, credit report provider, power provider, electricprovider, gas provider, broker, or financial analyst. A method ofcommunications may be deployed to connect a service provider with itscustomer wherein the user associated with the visual media segment isthe customer. The visual media segment may be adapted with a two-waycommunication facility. The communication may be initiated by theservice provider, or other third party, and the communication may beinitiated through the service providers understanding of the user'son-line behavior for example. The usage pattern may be associated withwebpage usage, purchases, economic transactions, high worthtransactions, service provider interactions or competitor interactions.

While many of the embodiments describe client software as the regulatorysoftware within the system, it should be understood that configuration,regulation, setting and other control software may be server based. Inembodiments, the interactions from a service provider and the like maybe directed through a server application for example and the serverapplication may be directed to send and or receive information from theclient according to the principles of the present invention.

A method of providing bidirectional communication through a visual mediasegment may involve providing a slide-up visual media segment forpresentation on a graphical user interface of a user; and enablingbidirectional communication within the slide-up visual media segment.The communication may include a message from an advertiser. Thecommunication may include an offer and allows acceptance of the offer.The communication may enable the formation of an agreement. Thecommunication may enable the setting of a parameter for furthercommunication. The communication may be between a user and a marketer.The method may also involve tracking a usage pattern of the user and thecommunication may be based on a usage pattern of the user.

An aspect of the present invention relates to ascribing a user a valuebased on their computer usage behavior. A method according to theprinciples of the present invention may involve tracking a usage patternof a user of a computing facility; attributing a value that is ascribedto the user by another based on the usage pattern; and presenting theuser with an indicator of the ascribed value.

In embodiments, the value ascribed to the user reflects the value of theuser to a service provider. The value ascribed may be based on aprediction of a future behavior of the user. The future behavior mayinclude a predicted purchase. The value ascribed may be based on anobserved preference of the user based on the user's computer activities.The preference may be observed based on a pattern of online behavior bythe user. In embodiments, the preference may be indicated directly bythe user, as opposed to being inferentially obtained. For example, thepreference may be indicated through the interaction with a survey.

In embodiments, the value ascribed may be based on the execution of atransaction by the user using the computing facility. For example, thetransaction may be a purchase, a sale, shopping, click-through to alink, bid, offer to purchase a good or a service, observation of anadvertisement, message, a mouse movement, submission of a form,competition of a survey.

In embodiments, the user is presented with information about how thevalue of the user's usage is determined. In other embodiments,information about how the value of a user's usage pattern is determinedis withheld from the user. In embodiments, presenting the ascribed valueincludes presenting a visual media segment on a graphical user interfaceassociated with the user. For example, the visual media segment is aslide menu that slides up from a tool bar, the visual media segment is apop-up segment, the visual media segment is a bar indicator, or thevisual media segment may be presented through other methods as describedherein.

In embodiments, the user's worth is measured in worth to a serviceprovider, the worth comprises worth as measured by an advertiser, theuser's worth is measured in worth to a product provider, the user'sworth is based on the frequency with which a user permits presentationof a visual display to the user, the user's worth is based on a profileof the user based on the user's usage pattern or the user's worth ismeasured on other such parameters. In embodiments, the profile iscreated based on an accumulation of transactions by the user. Theaccumulation of transactions may facilitate an estimate of the net worthof the user. The accumulation of transactions may facilitate aprediction of the price at which a user will purchase at least one of agood and a service.

In embodiments, a user may be presented with an indication of the user'sworth as attributed by others based on computer usage patterns. Theworth may be at least in part based on transactions, offers, sales,bids, click through, mouse events, evidence of looking at something,income, net worth, profile over time (e.g. complex behaviors), evidenceof looking at a competitive service provider (e.g. the user's presentwireless carrier is Verizon but the user is also looking at otherwireless plans (indicating they may be in a “churn mode” getting readyto switch service providers), usage patterns that are useful inparticular vertical market areas, patterns that allow one to infer valuescore, behavior through more than one site, behavior on a given site,behavior on a present service provider site, or other behavior.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a visual media segmentwhere one or more offers are presented to the user. Within the visualmedia segment, the user may be required to, rewarded for, or capable ofelecting to receive more information or performing a transactionassociated with the offer(s). For example, a method of communicating anoffer may involve presenting an offer to a user associated with a morelink to indicate more information on the offer is desired and a no morelink to indicate no further information on the offer is desired; andattributing a value to each action of the user in response to the offer.In embodiments, the value comprises worth as measured by a serviceprovider, as measured by an advertiser, as measured by a productprovider or as measured by another third party.

FIG. 24 illustrates an offer visual media segment according to theprinciples of the present invention. The visual media segment maycontain one or more offers 2408 (e.g. offers for the sale of goods,offers for the sale of services, offers for travel, offers for realestate rentals or sales) The visual media segment may also be branded2404 with a logo, tag line, service mark, trademark or other indiciaindicating the origin of the offer(s). The visual media segment may alsoinclude an action bar 2402 where the user may interact with one or moreof the offers. In embodiments, if the user selects a button to see moreinformation, the user may see content, offers, sales, or there may be aninteraction with a service provider or the like. The user's indicationof “not interested” may be used to build a user profile (e.g. it maytrigger an increase or decrease in point score based on categories ofthings they are not interested in). Showing lack of interest in lowvalue things may mean interested in high value things and this may leadto better offers or higher valuation for the user. The system may tracka pattern of expressed interest over time to indicate the value. Thepattern may be observed based on human evaluation of the pattern.

An aspect of the present invention relates to methods and systems forproviding client software for tracking and communicating with preemptiveparameter control. In embodiments, the methods and systems may involveproviding communication software adapted to track a usage pattern of auser of a computing facility through the presentation of a visual mediasegment on a graphical user interface associated with the user based atleast in part on the usage pattern, wherein the user has at leastpartial preemptive control over a presentation parameter associated withthe visual media segment. The methods and systems may also involveestablishing a loyalty sign up panel associated with a service provider;presenting a description of a loyalty program; and allowing a user todownload software to enable the tracking of the usage pattern.

FIG. 25 illustrates a method for signing up for a loyalty programaccording to aspects of the present invention. A service provider (e.g.a cell phone service provider) may provide a loyalty sign-up panel 2502associated with the service provider's website. A user may click on thesign-up panel 2502 to receive more information about the loyalty program2504. If the user elects to sign up for the loyalty program, the usermay receive client software that allows visual media segment informationsystem according to the principles of the present invention. Forexample, the user may download client software to allow the types ofinteractions described in connection with FIGS. 11-24.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a visual media segmentthat facilitates user action without proceeding through a link. A methodmay involve providing a slide-up visual media segment for presentationon a graphical user interface of a user; and allowing a user to executean action within the slide-up visual media segment with a single actionof the user. The action may be the execution of a transaction, setting aparameter, a promotion presented to the user in the visual mediasegment, purchase of goods, viewing of an offer, joining a loyaltyprogram, purchase of a service, viewing an advertisement, sending thevisual media segment to another user, providing for some other action.The sending of the visual media segment may cause the user to receive areward for example.

An aspect of the present invention relates to an auction method thatallows marketers to bid for access to users. The method may involvetracking the usage pattern of a computer facility by a user; presentingthe usage pattern to a plurality of marketers; and attributing a valueto the user based on an auction among the marketers. The method may alsoinvolve presenting the user a visual media segment that represents thevalue attributed to the user based on the auction. The method may alsoinvolve allowing a subset of marketers to interact with the user basedon the results of the auction. The number of marketers allowed tointeract with the user may be determined based on a parameter set by theuser. The user may set the parameter within a visual media segmentpresented to the user.

An aspect of the present invention relates to visual media segments andtheir appearance. FIG. 26 illustrates several embodiments of the visualappearance of a visual media segment according to the principles of thepresent invention. In embodiments, the visual media segment may take onan appearance in coordination with a message or information associatedwith the visual media segment. For example, an automotive dealer orservice provider may communicate with a user via a visual media segmentand the visual media segment may appear in the user's desktop in theform of an automobile 2602A. The automobile may take on a generic formof an automobile or it may take on the shape, features, colors or otherattributes of a particular vehicle. If the company sending the messageto the user is Chevrolet for example, the appearance may take the formof a Corvette. If the company is Range Rover, the visual media segmentmay look like an SUV. If the communication associated with the visualmedia segment is related to a cell phone provider or cell phone serviceprovider, the visual media segment may take on the form of a cell phone2602B. If the communication associated with the visual media segment isrelated to sports, the visual media segment may take on the form of afootball 2602C or other sports icon. If the communication associatedwith the visual media segment is related to a computer provider orcomputer service provider, the visual media segment may take on the formof a computer 2602C or other such icon. If the communication associatedwith the visual media segment is related to an office supplies provider,book supplier or the like, the visual media segment may take on the formof a book, paper 2602D or other goods and or services to make theassociation. A visual media segment may include an embossed or watermarkstyle feature as indicated in 2602E. A method of providing a visualmedia segment may involve providing the visual media segment andassociating the visual media segment's appearance with the communicationassociated with the visual media segment. The association may involvegenerating an appearance that represents an icon of the informationassociated with the visual media segment. A visual media segment mayalso include multimedia including image(s), video, animation, audio, orother such effects.

There are many applications and environments for which a visual mediasegment facility according to the principles of the present inventionmay be used. For example, such a system may be used in a club for agiven service provider (e.g. club membership actions displayed in theslide-up menu), cell phone service providers, book sellers, consumergoods retailers, electronics retailers, service providers, productproviders, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations,retailers, government agencies, government facilities, militaryfacilities, utilities, auto dealers, auto manufacturers, auto serviceproviders, education facilities, health facilities (e.g. hospitals,gyms, rehabilitation facilities), medical facilities, auction facilitiesor other facilities, agencies and providers.

While the invention has been described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, it should be understood that other embodimentswould be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, and areincorporated by reference herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing a data collection agent (DCA) that: records web browser click events across a plurality of web sites, identifies a subset of pertinent web browser click events, produces transformed web browser click events from the pertinent web browser click events by removing user personal information from the web browser click events, wherein removing user personal information comprises replacing, on a character by character basis, personal information in the web browser click events with a plurality of characters, wherein personal information includes at least one of: a user name, a password, or an account number, and transmits a click-stream of the transformed web browser click events to a data collection server (DCS) that resides on a computer, the DCA embodied as a web browser plug-in on a user client station; receiving the transformed web browser click events from the DCA, as a click-stream, at the DCS to record and provide a user usage pattern; and based on the user usage pattern and a presentation parameter, inviting a user to participate in a survey, in which the presentation parameter at least in part determines a frequency of survey invitations to the user; and the presentation parameter can be controlled by the user.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey is presented on a visual media segment of a graphical user interface of a computing facility.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the usage pattern is a real-time usage pattern.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the usage pattern is a historical usage pattern.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey generates two-way interactions.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey generates one-direction interactions.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey relates to at least one of a service, a product, an event, a time, a duration, a satisfaction, a communication, and another parameter of interest.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey relates to health care.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey relates to a service plan.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey relates to a product sale.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the survey relates to advertising.
 12. A system comprising: a plurality of data collection agents (DCA) that: record web browser click events across a plurality of web sites, identify a subset of pertinent web browser click events, produce transformed web browser click events from the pertinent web browser click events by removing user personal information from the web browser click events, wherein removing user personal information comprises replacing, on a character by character basis, personal information in the web browser click events with a plurality of characters, wherein personal information includes at least one of: a user name, a password, or an account number, and transmit a click-stream of the transformed web browser click events to a data collection server (DCS) that resides on a computer, each of the plurality of DCA embodied as a web browser plug-in on a user client station; the DCS that both receives the click-stream of the transformed web browser click events and collects user on-line activity based on the click-stream of the web browser click events; and a visual media segment of the web browser that invites a user to participate in a survey based on a user usage pattern and a presentation parameter that determines, at least in part, a frequency with which the user is invited to participate in a survey, wherein the presentation parameter can be controlled by the user.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the usage pattern is a real-time usage pattern.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the usage pattern is a historical usage pattern.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the survey generates two-way interactions.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the survey generates one-direction interactions.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the survey relates to at least one of a service, a service plan, a product, an event, a time, a duration, a satisfaction, a communication, and another parameter of interest.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the survey relates to health care.
 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the survey relates to a product sale.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the survey relates to advertising. 